They say that big things come in small packages, and that certainly stands true for EDCs! EDCs may seem small in size, but they are mighty in their functionality and use! These smart little tools can come in handy anytime anywhere, helping you out of the trickiest situations, and sometimes even quite possibly saving lives! You could be carrying an EDC for days with no real use until, in a time of need, it’ll magically come to your rescue, proving its true value. These little superheroes can make a world of difference while completing tasks. And, we’ve curated the best EDC designs we’ve seen in a while! From a wearable multitool EDC shaped like a ring to a unique EDC clip that lets you suspend all your belongings from your backpack– these innovative product designs promise to have your back no matter what!
1. The CLIPIT 2.0
Designed to be minimal in form yet maximal in function, the CLIPIT 2.0 is a clip-shaped device that can hold onto a range of objects. The clip itself can be attached anywhere, from your pocket lining to your backpack strap, and it comes with an elastic band that lets you tuck a range of devices into it, from sunglasses to stationery, and tech accessories to other EDC gadgets. The versatile clip-shaped design allows the CLIPIT 2.0 to be used in a variety of fashions. It closely resembles a money clip and functions like one too, holding both cards and cash, although the CLIPIT 2.0 is capable of much more.
2. The HexFlex
The HexFlex multitool fits 14 incredibly useful tools into its small frame and comes with a keyring attachment so you’ve always got it on you. Made from stainless steel (although their website also offers a titanium variant too), this incredibly season-appropriate multitool comes with two Phillips screwdrivers, a flathead screwdriver, three hex drivers, a box-cutter, a bottle opener, and six different wrenches cleverly integrated into its snowflake-shaped design. It fastens right to your keychain, allowing you to carry it around wherever you go, and gives you the power to open stuff from bottles to boxes and tighten or loosen screws, and bolts.
3. The Tool Ring
Meet the Tool Ring, a finger-worn EDC that can do everything from open bottles and boxes to tighten screws, and even sign documents while you’re at it. The uniquely shaped ring comes with space to dock various hex-shape bits, making it possibly the smallest toolkit in the world. The Tool Ring is exactly the kind of product you get from someone like Vanik Piliguian, an Industrial Designer born in a family of jewelers. Made from titanium the ring acts as a holder for the Tool Ring’s ecosystem of hex-bits, which include a Philips-head screwdriver, a ballpoint pen, a box-cutter, and a flashlight. Independently, the ring sits comfortably on your finger and even has a unique appearance that is also capable of being used as a mini pry tool for opening lids.
4. The Bullstrap Terra
Bullstrap’s Leather Case (codenamed Terra) for the Apple Airpods definitely gives it a lovely handcrafted appeal. The case comes with black and tan leather trims, double-stitched together with robust Nylon thread, and lined on the inside with microfiber to protect your AirPods. The Bullstrap Terra’s V-shaped design detail feels unmistakably like a popular cigarette brand, but while I’m the last person to ever endorse tobacco, it’s definitely memorable and visually striking. The V’s slightly offset though, creating a little bit of drama (which I really like, if I’m being honest), and the soft leather feels incredible to the touch.
5. The Transforming Pen & Stylus
A uniquely versatile writing tool, the Transforming Pen & Stylus can be used and carried in a variety of ways. In its smallest avatar, the entire instrument measures just 75mm or under 3-inches in length, and when expanded, becomes a 115mm-long instrument that you can comfortably and effectively write with. The entire Transforming Pen & Stylus is made up of 3 machined metal parts that can easily be disassembled for maintenance, along with a replaceable ballpoint refill and a fiber tip stylus that can be replaced too. On the other end of the writing instrument is a nifty hole that lets you hook your transforming pen to a keychain or a carabiner, giving it true EDC status by allowing you to carry it anywhere simply by hooking it onto your backpack or fixing it into your keychain.
6. The PICHI X2
About the same size as a french fry, the PICHI X2 may be the most versatile piece of EDC just yet. Crafted entirely from titanium, it works as a multi-size wrench, a scalpel/knife, a crowbar, and even a high-torque holder for any hex bits you’ve got. Designed to replace your entire arsenal of wrenches and screwdrivers, the PICHI X2 is about as brilliantly versatile as it is ridiculously tiny… and in between tasks, its integrated bottle opener lets you stay cool while on the job.
7. Antón’s concept case
The current case for AirPods Pro is about 20mm wider than the AirPods case, a substantial difference that requires a lot more room in our back pockets. In contrast to the bulkier, horizontal AirPods Pro case, Antón’s concept case would fit nicely into any pocket even if it’s already stuffed with your house keys, wallet, and whatever else. Individual charging lights emanate from both ends of the cylindrical case to accurately indicate how much battery juice each AirPod has. Antón also visualized the AirPods Pro case in a matte black, a shade that we’ve yet to see Apple experiment with on charging cases for AirPods and AirPod Pros.
8. The Tactiv Bolt Action Pen
Whether you’re a field journalist or a Wilderness First Responder (WFR), a waterproof pen could come in handy on a daily basis. The Tactiv Bolt Action Pen is loaded with Rite-In-The-Rain® permanent ink that can write underwater and in extreme weather conditions for temperatures ranging from -30°F to 250°F. The bolt action trigger also dislodges and retracts the pen tip in a clean, quick swoop to echo the feel of loading a rifle – simply, push, turn, and release. The premium housing for the pen is also built from a hefty combination of aluminum, stainless steel, and polished copper, offering the same tactile experience of the rifle it was inspired by, the M16A4 Series 5.56mm Rifle. Built from aluminum, stainless steel, and polished copper, the Tactiv Bold Action Pen is designed for the outdoors.
9. OnePlus Concept One Watch
This OnePlus Concept One Watch could be the right direction for the brand to foray, if they want to dethrone the best ones like Apple Watch Series 6, Galaxy Watch 3, or Fitbit Sense. While on first look it might seem like any other smartwatch, there’s one thing that makes it stand out from the crowd. When the camera app is activated, the glass magically turns transparent to reveal the sensors otherwise hidden from plain sight. The Concept One Watch employs this technology to blur the lines between a classic analog watch with kinetic movement and modern-day smartwatch functionality. The Android WearOS watch is a perfect hybrid capable of satisfying proponents of classic watches and ones who like the more modern approach of the connected ecosystem of smartwatches.
10. The Survival Belt 2.0
The Survival Belt 2.0 sports a buckle made from glass-filled nylon, which gives it its rugged durability while ensuring the buckle still remains pretty light. Within the buckle sits a fold-out knife forged from AUS-8 Stainless Steel with a Titanium Nitride coating for extra toughness. The knife, albeit pretty small (considering it fits in a belt buckle), sports a drop-point blade that proves to be incredibly handy for its size, working exceptionally well at piercing, cutting, and whittling. When not in use, it folds right into the buckle, concealing the blade edge for safety purposes, while conveniently revealing the bottle opener built into the opposite side of the blade.
